City Centre pub profile

The Garrick Bar

A central traditional pub with wood-panelled rooms, food and a reputation for music sessions.

Best forTraditional sessions & central location
Editorial fit8.7/10
AreaCity Centre
Historic noteEstablished 1870
Quick answer: A convenient, credible traditional stop close to City Hall without needing to enter the Cathedral Quarter crowds.

Why visit The Garrick Bar?

A convenient, credible traditional stop close to City Hall without needing to enter the Cathedral Quarter crowds.

What the experience is like

A central traditional pub with wood-panelled rooms, food and a reputation for music sessions. Its strongest appeal is traditional sessions & central location. That makes it a better fit for some visits than others; the purpose of this profile is to help you decide before you arrive.

What to know before you go

Check session times directly; “live music” can mean very different formats on different nights.

Opening hours, menus, event schedules, access arrangements and admission policies can change. Confirm current information on the venue’s official channel.

Who should choose it?

  • Visitors specifically looking for traditional sessions & central location.
  • People exploring the City Centre area.
  • Pub-goers who value a strong sense of place over a generic bar experience.

Possible drawbacks

No pub is best in every situation. Consider crowd levels, noise, group size, food needs and whether the night’s entertainment matches your plans.

Nearby and related pubs

Editorial fit 9.4/10
City Centre

The Crown Liquor Saloon

Belfast’s landmark Victorian gin palace, celebrated for ornate tilework, stained glass, carved wood and private snugs.

Best for: Architecture & historic snugs

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Editorial fit 9.3/10
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Kelly’s Cellars

A low-ceilinged, whitewashed institution associated with Belfast’s eighteenth-century political and social history.

Best for: Old-school Belfast atmosphere

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Editorial fit 9.0/10
City Centre

White’s Tavern

A historic tavern in Winecellar Entry that presents itself as Belfast’s oldest tavern, pairing heritage rooms with newer garden and beer-hall spaces.

Best for: Deep pub history

historicfoodlive musiccity centre

Editorial sources and verification

This profile uses venue information, official tourism material and editorial assessment. Check the pub’s official website or channel.

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026. Author: BelfastPubs.com Editorial Team. Estimated reading time: 3 minutes.